Phillip "Buddy" George, 80, of Middleton passed away on April 7, 2011, after a brief battle with cancer. Phil was born in Sparks, NV on May 6, 1930. He continued to love the desert and the thrill of the untamed West long after he relocated to Simi Valley, CA in the early 1950s. From there, he and his family settled in Livermore, CA until 2002 when he joined his family in Middleton, ID until his passing.
As a young man he was a Golden Gloves amateur boxer and pursued an acting career, often reminiscing about meeting many Hollywood stars. He eventually chose to make his livelihood in construction specializing as a lather. He enjoyed home improvement projects and was eager to help family and friends. Phil loved the movies and going to the theater. His focus on health and an active lifestyle was evident as he was an outdoor enthusiast and avid gardener. Phil spent much of his time serving at Livermore Presbyterian Church and also at Boone Memorial Presbyterian Church. During their golden years, he and his wife could be found taking other senior citizens hot meals as part of the Meals on Wheels program. For the last fifteen years, he selflessly served as Leona's full-time caregiver due to her advancing Dementia.
Phil always had a smile on his face and a joke at his lips. A captivating storyteller, he could easily bring his personal adventures to life. He had an easy, confident way about him. Each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren enjoyed a unique and special relationship with him. The words of Winston Churchill: "I'm ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter" best reflect the way in which Phil approached life head on. He was a heroic figure to many with a bigger than life presence.
He is survived by his wife, Leona, sister Patricia M. Wasilewski, sons Kyle (Cheryl) George, Keith (Debbie) George and daughter, Kellie (Geoffrey) Case, granddaughters: Melissa Bauer, Tanya George, Stephanie (James) Harris, Nicole George, Andrea (Shawn) Rafahi-Shirpak, Traci (Allen) Riddle, and Marti (Brian) Combs, and 12 great -grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Phillip Edward George Sr., mother, Lenora Constance Petty George, and brother, William Robert George.
Internment will be Tuesday at the Middleton Cemetery. Services are under the
care of Flahiff Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be given at www.flahifffuneralchapel.com.
1 comment:
Nice tribute, Traci. I met him a few times and we was really nice and fun!
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